New Duty-Free Mechanism for Overseas Disaster Relief Donations 🚨

• The Government has introduced a streamlined procedure to expedite the clearance and distribution of essential material aid donated from abroad due to the current disaster. • This mechanism allows all material aid to be cleared free of all tariffs and charges (duty-free clearance), encouraging foreign countries, organizations, individuals, and Sri Lankans abroad to donate. • Key Condition for Duty-Free Status: All goods must be addressed directly to: The Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 07. • If addressed to another local party, that party must agree to hand the donation over to the DMC to qualify for duty-free status; otherwise, normal customs procedures will apply. • Material assistance is permitted via any mode of transport. • Guidelines & Essential Goods List: Available at www.customs.gov.lk and www.donate.gov.lk. For further details, contact the hotline: +94 70 475 2823.